Slowly, Yulian’s hand comes to rest on the top of his head. He’s not used to this, I know. It’s been ages since he’s had a family.
But maybe, this can be the start of another one.
Whether he loves me or not.
11
MIA
Yulian’s penthouse is as huge as I remember. No—bigger. “Did you… renovate?”
“I had a few guest rooms added,” he says like it’s no big deal.
Right. Of course. Who doesn’t add guest rooms to his place like it’s Minecraft?
Eli is already exploring, dashing through the big living room and marveling at the glass walls. “Is there a room for me, too?”
“Of course.” Yulian gestures to the left side of the penthouse. “Take your pick.”
“I canchoose?!”
“Only if you beat your mom to it.”
He hurtles like a bullet towards the hallway. “Dibs! Dibs!”
In the end, Eli picks the room in the middle. I suspect it’s because then, whichever one I pick will be next to his.
Like I would have it any other way.
Once he’s made his choice, he kicks off his shoes and crawls under the covers. “I’m tired, Mommy,” he yawns.
“Of course.” I brush the hair off his forehead and tuck him in. “Get some sleep, alright? I’ll be right here when you wake up.”
“And Yulian, too?”
My heart twists. “And Yulian, too.”
I kiss him goodnight. I missed our ritual so much, I didn’t even realize how badly I needed it myself until now. Knowing my kid is safe in his bed, just a few paces away from me—it soothes me like nothing else.
By the time I’m at the door, he’s already snoring softly.
I join Yulian at the counter. “He’s asleep?” he asks.
“Out like a light.”
He nods. “Today was stressful. He probably needed it.”
“He’s been through so much.” I sigh, tension slipping off my shoulders. “I wish I could have protected him from all of that.”
Bad feelings crowd my mind again. Regrets, for not being a better mother. For putting my own son in the line of fire with my lies.
Then a hand touches my shoulder. Warm, strong—safe.
I turn, surprised, and meet Yulian’s gaze.
“You did the best you could,” he murmurs.
Without thinking, I cover his hand with mine. “Thank you,” I whisper. “For saving us. For giving us somewhere to stay.”
